When the boys were babies and toddlers, I really didn’t have the time, or inclination, to be thinking about bedroom design. Bed was something I flopped into at the end of the day and hopefully got some sleep. The decor went unnoticed. Our room tends to be the place everything gets dumped quite functional in nature however now they are older it’s about time I turn my hand to creating this bedroom haven people talk about.
Here are some bedroom design basics to help you and me start creating a grown up bedroom we enjoy spending time in.
The Clear Out
If, like our room, your bedroom has probably become the home dumping ground over the last half-decade or so, it is going to need a clear out. Every single piece of clutter either needs a new home or a trip to the rubbish tip. Clothes and wardrobes need to be sorted and we need to be ruthless. Am I really going to get back in those ten-year-old jeans? Unlikely! Charity shops are crying out for good quality items, although you can also think about selling your old things on something like eBay. Any proceeds you make can be a contribution to your bedroom upgrades.
The Bedroom Design Planning
Next, don’t dive into your bedroom redesign without thinking about it first. The chances are that your personality has changed a little from the last time you did this – which could be 8,9 or even ten years ago. Do we want curtains or blinds? Should we invest in some storage? Do we want to keep our beloved books on shelves everywhere, or do we fancy something a little more minimal? The first item of business when it comes to bedroom design planning is to create a bedroom bucket list and start working out what you need.
The Bed
The focus on any bedroom is all about the bed. It’s worth investing some time and energy in finding the best, most comfortable bed and mattress you can afford – it can make such a big difference. Some people like cast iron bed frames, others may prefer a traditional headboard and footboard. The best bet is to go out to your local bed store and try some out for yourself – you get a much better feel in person that you do from just browsing online. However, the mattress is probably the most critical aspects of your room. With a good mattress, sleep is easy to achieve, and rest and relaxation will become second nature. We are in DESPERATE need of a new bed and a really good mattress so this is high on our bucket list.
The Sheets
An often forgotten part of creating a truly relaxing haven in your bedroom is the sheets. Good quality bed linen and covers can make a massive difference to your ability to relax. Crisp, white sheets and beautiful throws are a must, of course, but make sure you don’t overdo it. You don’t want to struggle with an overload of pillows every night, plus, it will take you an age to make your bed each morning – which kind of defeats the objective. There’s nothing quite like snuggling down into a well-made, fabulous-feeling bed.
Bedroom Design and Lighting
One of the most important aspects of a relaxing bedroom is the lighting. Think about this before you make a choice about colours and decor, as it is vital to get things just right. Ultimately, this all depends on whether you relax better in the dark, or prefer a good dose of natural light streaming in through the windows. If the former, go for thick curtains or blinds. If the latter, ensure you get super light curtains – but still enough to diffuse the sunlight that comes in.
One of the best decisions we ever made when it comes to our bedroom was to use a Lumie lamp which wakes us upon time gently each morning using increasing light levels, rather than a jarring alarm.
Colours and Moods
If you want a relaxing haven for your bedroom, it’s best to go for warm, calming colours. White in a bedroom can be a little sterile, and anything too bright is going to be on the excitable side. Palettes of black, dark grey, dark green or even navy can work for your overall colour scheme. Alternatively, try for some natural colours such as forest greens, wood browns, and stones.
Any blissful bedroom tips to share? Let everyone know in the comments section below!
